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    siberia37's Avatar
    siberia37 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Mar 31, 2008, 10:23 AM
    Washer drain to main sewer plug?
    We have a washer floor drain that has always been slow and is now totally clogged. I've tried snaking it out with a flat sewer rod, but the curve in the drain's P trap is so sharp it just won't go. The last time we had plumbers over to fix it they recommended to stop using the floor drain and install a new pipe that goes directly to the main sewer line. The main sewer plug (for the cleanout) is only about 5 feet away from the washer and a couple feet above it.

    So my question is, is there any kind of easy fitting I can use to take the washer drain hose (it reaches) and simply drain it through the main sewer plug? Simply removing the main sewer drain plug and putting the washer hose in works, but this leaves the main sewer unplugged which makes the whole basement smell. Is there a "koscher" way to do this or is what I'm trying to do totally against plumbing code?

    I've attached an illustration that should make this clearer.
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    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #2

    Mar 31, 2008, 11:48 AM
    So my question is, is there any kind of easy fitting I can use to take the washer drain hose (it reaches) and simply drain it through the main sewer plug? Simply removing the main sewer drain plug and putting the washer hose in works, but this leaves the main sewer unplugged which makes the whole basement smell. Is there a "koscher" way to do this or is what I'm trying to do totally against plumbing code?
    This is not only against code but if you hook it up that way you will be endangering your familys health. You would leave a direct open line between your home and the city sewer. Sewer gas's a health hazard and the methane content in it makes it explosive. If you don't wish to cut in a washer station and vent it your best bet is to purchase a power drfill snake and snake the floor drain. Good luck, Tom
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #3

    Mar 31, 2008, 11:53 AM
    "The main sewer plug (for the cleanout) is only about 5 feet away from the washer and a couple feet above it. " Do you mean the sewer or the clean out is higher than the washer? Do not leave the washer drain hanging loosely in the clean out, you are asking for a disaster and could get raw sewage in your basement. You can install a stand pipe by installing a Tee into the existing opening and then a clean out on the open end of the Tee. The stand pipe shopuld be 2' or even 3" and at least 36" tall above the clean out.
    siberia37's Avatar
    siberia37 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Mar 31, 2008, 12:03 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ballengerb1
    "The main sewer plug (for the cleanout) is only about 5 feet away from the washer and a couple feet above it. " Do you mean the the sewer or the clean out is higher than the washer? Do not leave the washer drain hanging loosely in the clean out, you are asking for a disaster and could get raw sewage in your basement. You can install a stand pipe by installing a Tee into the existing opening and then a clean out on the open end of the Tee. The stand pipe shopuld be 2' or even 3" and at least 36" tall above the clean out.
    So are you saying a Tee could be instaled the in the main sewer plug or not? I understand that leaving the washer hose hanging loosely is a bad idea, I just thought there might be an easy way to hook it up the correct way. If I have to do a Tee then that's what I'll have to do though.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #5

    Mar 31, 2008, 12:18 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by siberia37
    You can install a stand pipe by installing a Tee into the existing opening and then a clean out on the open end of the Tee. So are you saying a Tee could be instaled the in the main sewer plug or not? I understand that leaving the washer hose hanging loosely is a bad idea, I just thought there might be an easy way to hook it up the correct way. If I have to do a Tee then that's what I'll have to do though.
    You can't do that without first installing a trap and a vent. If you simply cut in a tee and attached a stand pipe to it you would still leave a direct open link between you and the city sewer. If you remove the clean out and replace it with a tee you will have to add a trap and take a vent off ahead of it. If the city says OK you could install a AAV,(Air Admittance Vent) in place of s outside roof vent. Sorry Bob, Tom
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #6

    Apr 1, 2008, 10:54 AM
    That's OK Tom, I failed to address the trap issue completely.

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